Les Deux Alpes Ski Holidays

Description

The first rope-tow lift opened in Les Deux Alpes in 1939 and fell down within 15 minutes and it wasn’t until the late 1950s that construction of the resort really came underway and it developed into what it today with 222km of piste connected by 47 lifts. The resort has a glacier and a top altitude of 3568m offering a snow sure skiing.

The village sits at 1650m and Les Deux Alpes is sometimes known as an ‘upside-down resort’. Beginners are not restricted to the lower slopes and can enjoy easy and cruisy runs at high altitude.

Les Deux Alpes is located in the Southern Alps and neighbours Alpe d’Huez. The two resorts are currently only connected by road but plans are underway to build a gondola connecting the two. This is expected to be completed by 2021 and will cut the journey time to only 18 minutes creating an enormous ski area to explore.Located 90 minutes from Grenoble, Les Deux Alpes short transfer makes it an attractive choice for those wanting to keep the travel time to a minimum.

Getting There

Unless you are booking a package where the travel is organised for you, then you will need to think about the best way for you to get to resort.

Fly

The most popular way to get to the resort from the UK is to fly. There are four local airports to Les Deux Alpes:

Grenoble is the closest airport but flight options are limited and can be more expensive. Geneva has the most options and is slightly cheaper but will be a longer transfer.

Transfer to the resort

Once you have flown in, you will need to have a transfer into resort sorted. There are several companies who can offer this. It is worth checking transfer arrangements before booking your flights especially if you are looking for a shared bus as these are less regular and you don’t want to end up having to wait around at the airport for ages.

Ski Lifts have been awarded the world’s best ski transfer operator in the World Ski Awards. They provide private and shared transfers from Geneva, Grenoble, Lyon and Chambery.

Train

The closest airport to Les Deux Alpes is Grenoble Gare. From the UK, you can take the Eurostar from Ashford in Kent or St Pancras International in London to Paris where you can then take the connecting TGV trains to Grenoble (3 hours) or Lyon (2 hours).

Drive

If you are planning on driving out to resort from the UK then you can either travel via the channel tunnel or take the ferry. The euro tunnel departs every 15 minutes from Folkestone and takes 35 minutes. Prices start from £90 each way. You can book your crossing online at - https://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/home/.

The ferry runs from both Hull to Zeebrugge or Dover to Calais with P&O ferries - http://www.poferries.com/en/portal. The Hull ferry operates overnight arriving in Zeebrugge at 0845am. The Dover to Calais service operates up to 23 times each day and takes 90 minutes.

On arrival in France, remember to drive on the right hand side of the road! There are several tolls on route from the airports to resort and the amount that you pay will depend on what type of vehicle you are driving and which section of the road you are on but the total cost will be approximately €75 in total.

European travel/vehicle requirements are very strict and on-spot fines are can issued if you don’t have: headlight converters, GB sticker, warning triangle, spare bulbs, breathalysers and high viz vests for each passenger in the vehicle.

When to Go

Where to Stay

Les Deux Alpes town is relatively compact with one main street running through the centre.

Getting around

Les Deux Alpes is walkable but there is a free shuttle bus that runs through the resort all day, as well as two extra buses that serve the Village at 1800 and the apartments up the hill at the Venosc side.

If you are planning on driving out to resort then you will be able to get round easily and have more flexibility to visit a different resort every day. If you plan to visit Alpe d’Huez then you can cut the journey time by heading to Auris which is just across the valley and start skiing from there.

If you do have your car in resort then you will need to think about parking if there is none available with your accommodation. There is covered parking available in the Place de Venosc located at the top of resort. This costs from €35 per week but you cannot reserve ahead. Alternatively, there is free covered parking available at the Village in 1800 as well as places for you to park on the street in resort. It is important to note that traffic wardens or ‘Police Municipal’ regularly patrol the streets looking out for illegally parked vehicles. Fines can vary from €11 to €135 so be careful to avoid being footed with a big bill at the end of your holiday.

Apres

Le Pano Bar is a classic après spot high set in the mountains. The music kicks off at 3pm where the terrace becomes a mega party with a DJ perched in a tower.

L’Avalanche Club is located in the centre of resort and hosts regular parties throughout the season with international DJs.

Smokey Joes restaurant and bar definitely knows how to throw a party. They host great artists with guest DJs and have fancy dress nights, in particular their 70s night.

Secret bar is a cheap, cosy and friendly bar in the heart of Les Deux Alpes. The bar serves a range of beverages and is one of the cheapest places to drink in town.

The Polar Bear Pub is a popular bar located off the main roundabout in the centre of resort. The bar is a great après spot with live music and DJs, and they regularly show live sports on their big screens.

The Red Frog Pub & Restaurant is an irish pub and restaurant near the Diable chairlift. The traditional restaurant serves typical pub food and has daily happy hours from 8pm

Bar Les Lutins is a pub style bar located at the Hotel Les Lutins. The bar is a perfect spot to enjoy a quiet drink or to catch up on the latest sporting events.

Pub Windsor is a British themed bar in the centre of town and is famous for its large range of whiskies and beers.

Eating out

There is plenty of places to eat on and off the mountain:

L’Eli’s is a cosy and chic restaurant serving pizza and local French specialities.

Le Paellou is known for its simple but great traditional French cuisine, in particular the raclette, fondue and tartiflette.

Le P’tit Polyte is located in the 4* Chalet Hotel Mounier and is the only Michelin star restaurant in resort. The restaurant is famous for its fine cuisine based on fresh local produce and the inventiveness of the chef.

La Toura is a mountain restaurant located near the Jandri Express lift at 2600m. Guests can sit on the large sunny terrace and the menu includes classic favourites including pizza, salad and local dishes.

Le Fee is a mountain restaurant and snack bar located in the Fee sector at 2440m. The restaurant serves local French dishes and crepes.Le Diable au Coeur is located at the top of the Diable chairlift at 2400m. The mountain restaurant has an outside bar and terrace with amazing views.

Smithy’s Tavern is a modern and spacious tex-mex restaurant and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Good for Couples

Alisier's

1 Rue de la Chapelle

Les Deux Alpes

+33 4 76 79 57 90

Good for Couples

Chalet Mounier

2 Rue de la Chapelle

Les Deux Alpes

+33 4 76 80 56 90

Good for Couples

Le P'tit Polyte

Hotel Chalet Mounier

2 Rue de la Chapelle

Les Deux Alpes

+33 4 76 80 56 90

Good for Family

Casa Nostra

106 Avenue de la Muzelle

Les Deux Alpes

+33 4 76 79 29 10

Good for Family

Smokey Joe's

Les Deux Alpes

+33 4 76 79 28 97

Good for Friends

Le Grain de Sel

1 Rue Saint Claude

Les Deux Alpes

+33 4 76 80 50 30

Good for Friends

Le Trappeur

85 Avenue de la Muzelle

Les Deux Alpes

+33 4 76 80 35 72

Good for Friends

Smithy's Tavern

Immeuble Igloo

Route du Coulet

Alpe d'Huez

+33 4 76 11 32 29

Activities

There are several activities in Les Deux Alpes for non skiers, these include:

Ski School

There are a few ski school options who offer both group and private lessons. Group lessons are generally cheaper and more sociable but can work less intense than one-on-one tuition.

There are a few ski schools in Les Deux Alpes:

ESF have been running for over 70 years and have 225 instructors in Les Deux Alpes. They offer group and private lessons from the age of 3yrs.

ESF St Christophe has been running in Les Deux Alpes since 1986. They have a strong reputation for delivering excellent service and provide both group and private lessons.

Bonsai Ski have friendly, personal and passionate teaching methods offering both group and private lessons.

Getting around

Les Deux Alpes is walkable but there is a free shuttle bus that runs through the resort all day, as well as two extra buses that serve the Village at 1800 and the apartments up the hill at the Venosc side.

If you are planning on driving out to resort then you will be able to get round easily and have more flexibility to visit a different resort every day. If you plan to visit Alpe d’Huez then you can cut the journey time by heading to Auris which is just across the valley and start skiing from there.

If you do have your car in resort then you will need to think about parking if there is none available with your accommodation. There is covered parking available in the Place de Venosc located at the top of resort. This costs from €35 per week but you cannot reserve ahead. Alternatively, there is free covered parking available at the Village in 1800 as well as places for you to park on the street in resort. It is important to note that traffic wardens or ‘Police Municipal’ regularly patrol the streets looking out for illegally parked vehicles. Fines can vary from €11 to €135 so be careful to avoid being footed with a big bill at the end of your holiday.

Family ski

For families looking for childcare there are three routes which they can take; booking into a local creche, booking with a tour operator who provide in-house childcare or booking a private nanny. Childcare options are relatively limited in Les Deux Alpes so it is recommended to book in advance to avoid any disappointment.

Creche facilities

Bonhomme de Neige have three facilities for children. The childcare centre for 6 months to 2 years, the children centre for 2 years to 6 years, and the leisure centre for 6 years to 12 years.in-house childcare

Mark Warner offer childcare in their Chalet Hotel Berangere

Private nanny

My Travelling Nanny is a family run specialist holiday nanny agency who match families with the perfect Travelling Nanny for their holiday.

Group Ski

Childcare

Les Deux Alpes is a great place for families, especially those heading out for their first ski trip. The resort is renowned for it sunny south-facing slopes and gentle and varied nursery area, making it a fantastic destination for a first time family trip. But, if six full days of skiing prove too tiring for the little ones, the child-friendly non-ski activities are plentiful. So whether it’s riding around on mini snowmobiles or petting a donkey at the mule farm you won’t get bored in this resort!

If you’ve got a young Lewis Hamilton on your hands who fancies the high-speed adrenaline rush of snow-mobiling, 2 Alpes Motoneige run sessions specifically for children aged 5-10 years during school holidays. It doesn’t come cheap at 15 Euros for 10 minutes, but it’s seriously good fun whizzing around the specially designed circuit.

If snow-mobiles are a little bit too high-speed, the kids might prefer the more ‘gentle’ bumper car experience. ‘Ice Gliders’ are a take on the traditional fairground bumper car; on ice these battery powered cars slip and slide, making it a fun activity for both children and adults. It’s open on Thursdays from 14.00-19.00 at the ice skating rink.

A visit to the ice caves is a must see for the young intrepid explorer! Located at the top of the Jandri Express, the ice caves are dug out and sculpted by hand each year and sit as deep as 20m below the glacier. It’s a perfect activity for both parents and children and is open daily from 10.00-16.00.

There are a number of designated toboggan runs in resort which are just for children. For young children (2-6 years), take them to the toboggan area just behind the Bonhomme de Niege day Nursery. For the slightly more adventurous and older children, there are the toboggan runs below the Jandri 1 and the Diable chairlifts. The sledging areas are cordoned off, so protected from other skiers and snowboarders, and with free entry this is a great thing to try out!

If the weather turns bad, then head to the resort’s cinema ‘Le Slalom’ which shows some of the latest blockbusters, or head to ‘Le Strike’ which is the bowling alley in resort; it opens daily from 17.00-02.00, but during school holidays and particularly bad weather they do open earlier.

The Piste

Beginners

There are four nursery areas located at the base of the ski area making them easily accessible from the centre of resort. The nursery slope is serviced by 13 lifts, 5 of which are free. Once you have gained confidence on the lower level nursery slopes, you can take the Jandri 1 gondola or the Diable chair lift to 2100m where you will find the Les Cretes nursery area. Here you can use the Cretes chair and Petites Cretes magic carpet which gives you access to two longer green runs.

Intermediates

The mid-section of the mountain has some of the best intermediate terrain in Les Deux Alpes. Both the Roch-Mantel and the Signal run are both well groomed intermediate pistes. The Vallons is another cruisy red that runs from the bottom of the Super Diable chair all the way back into town.

Experts

Les Deux Alpes has a good range of red and black runs for expert skiers. Signal 3 piste off the Signal chairlift is one of the steepest reds in resort and has a vertical drop of 250m. The Glaciers 6,7 and 8 pistes from the top of the Glaciers chairlift and Jandri Express offer some excellent runs for advanced skiers.

Ski School

There are a few ski school options who offer both group and private lessons. Group lessons are generally cheaper and more sociable but can work less intense than one-on-one tuition.

There are a few ski schools in Les Deux Alpes:

ESF have been running for over 70 years and have 225 instructors in Les Deux Alpes. They offer group and private lessons from the age of 3yrs.

ESF St Christophe has been running in Les Deux Alpes since 1986. They have a strong reputation for delivering excellent service and provide both group and private lessons.

Bonsai Ski have friendly, personal and passionate teaching methods offering both group and private lessons.

Equipment Hire

Lift Passes

There is one main pass for Les Deux Alpes which offers access to the whole ski area. 2-5 day passes offer one free entry to the ice rink per day and access to night skiing. Passes for 6 days or more offer one free entry to the swimming pool or ice rink and two days in Alpe d’Huez, as well as one day in Serre Chevalier, Puy St Vincent, Montgenevre Voie Lactee and Sestriere.

Family passes are available when two adult passes and a minimum of two child passes are purchased together in a single transaction.

Group passes are available for groups of 3 or 4 and are valid when all passes are purchased together in a single transaction.

There are 5 free lifts in resort for beginners to use which are located at the foot of the slopes and are easily accessible from the centre of resort as well as access to the Venosc gondola. You can only buy these passes at one of the ticket offices.

You can buy your lift pass online in advance at one of the lift pass offices in resort. Alternatively, you can pre book your lift pass through the tour operator who will deliver it to your chalet for you when you arrive. This is generally the easiest and most convenient method of doing it as you don’t have to worry about the hassle of going to pick it up or buying it in resort and can get out on the slopes on your first day.